Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica says he will participate in a LIAT shareholders meeting today during which Prime Minister Gaston Browne will make a case for the reorganisation of LIAT.
The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m today.
Skerrit told Dominicans last night that he is open to the idea of reorganisation of the airline.
“As we are aware the shareholders of LIAT, late last month, took a decision to liquidate the airline. In Dominica, we are currently exploring a number of options for travel for our citizens.
“Yet there are outstanding matters to be ironed out and a proposal is on the table to reogransise LIAT. Dominica is open to an assessment of this proposal to determine if the plan to restructure the company and restore its viability is feasible.
“As I said before we recognize the important role that LIAT has played in the region since its inception but despite the challenges it has served the people of the region well. And if a reorganised LIAT can continue to provide service, we are open to this discussion.
“I wish to reassure you the public however, that our primary interest at this time is to identify safe and reliable transport for our citizens,” Skerrit said.
Ahead of today’s meeting Prime minister Gaston Browne has shared his plan for the re-organisation of LIAT.
The plan dated July 13 was submitted by the government of Antigua and Barbuda for consideration by the majority shareholder Governments of LIAT 1974 limited.
It outlines that the reorganisation of LIAT requires new capitalisation up to EC $108 million of which the government of Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to underwrite up to 50 percent.
It is expected that the remaining $54 million will be shared by other private and public sector entities including existing shareholder governments.
A plan for the re-organisation of LIAT
Also noted was the proposed lowering of airport taxes throughout the region, which should result in at least a 20 per cent increase in intraregional travel.
The plan points out the reorganisation will preserve the value of LIAT for the airline and its stakeholders, unlike a disorderly liquidation and the chaos and confusion that will come with the latter.
The document urges reconsideration of the proposed liquidation and adoption of the reorganisation plan in the interest of preserving safe and reliable air transportation and the integration movement.
(Source:Antigua News Room)